Churchill Brothers have been hit by a registration ban following a directive from FIFA, dealing a major blow to the Goan club just days before their return to the Indian Super League (ISL).
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a circular on September 2, 2026, confirming that Churchill Brothers FC Goa have been prohibited from registering new players. According to the federation, the action was taken after AIFF received a communication from FIFA's Head of Disciplinary on September 1.
"This circular is to notify all the Member Associations & stakeholders of the AIFF that a National Ban on the registration of new players has been imposed on the Club Churchill Brothers FC Goa,a club registered with the Goa Football Association," a circular from
AIFF wrote.
The AIFF circular, however, does not disclose the underlying case that led to the FIFA sanction. It also does not specify the amount involved, the party that may have filed the claim against Churchill Brothers or how long the registration ban will remain in place.
Under FIFA regulations, a registration ban prevents a club from registering new players, either nationally or internationally, for the duration of the sanction. The ban can remain in force until the club completes the required action or FIFA lifts the measure.
How long are Churchill Brothers banned?
The FIFA website also mentions Churchill Brothers' ban on registration, and a period of three has been mentioned, which means the Goa club won't be able to register a player until the January 2028 window. They will be able to sign a player in the summer 2028 window as per the current directive.
Major setback before ISL return for Churchill Brothers
The development comes at a particularly significant time for Churchill Brothers, who are preparing to make their return to India's top division after taking over the ISL sporting licence of Jamshedpur FC.
Tata Steel transferred its ownership of Jamshedpur Football & Sporting Pvt Ltd to Churchill Brothers in August. The agreement included the transfer of Jamshedpur FC's ISL sporting licence, along with the contracts of 12 players and two coaches, with Churchill Brothers taking over from September 2026.
The registration ban could therefore create complications for the club as it attempts to strengthen its squad for the upcoming ISL campaign.
Importantly, the sanction is a ban on registering new players. The AIFF circular does not state that Churchill Brothers have been removed from the ISL or that their sporting licence has been revoked.
